In 2020, Joan Hemels was honored with the Journalist van het Jaar award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to Dutch journalism. This accolade celebrated her career-long dedication to high-quality reporting and her impact on the field of journalism in the Netherlands.

In 2015, Joan Hemels was selected to moderate a high-profile national election debate in the Netherlands. Her role as a moderator showcased her ability to facilitate discussions on complex political issues and engage with leading political figures in a balanced and insightful manner.

In 2010, Joan Hemels joined NOS, the Dutch public broadcasting organization, where she took on a prominent role in the newsroom. Her expertise in political reporting and investigative journalism contributed significantly to NOS's coverage of national and international events.

In 2005, Joan Hemels published a groundbreaking book on Dutch politics, offering a comprehensive analysis of the political landscape and its evolution over the years. The book was well-received and became a reference point for understanding the intricacies of Dutch governance.

In 2000, Joan Hemels received the prestigious De Tegel award for her outstanding investigative reporting on political corruption in the Netherlands. This accolade highlighted her commitment to uncovering the truth and her ability to tackle complex issues with clarity and depth.

In 1995, Joan Hemels was appointed as a foreign correspondent in Brussels, Belgium, where she covered European Union affairs. Her reporting from Brussels provided Dutch audiences with critical insights into EU policies and their implications for the Netherlands.

In 1990, Joan Hemels joined NRC Handelsblad, one of the Netherlands' leading newspapers. During her tenure, she focused on political reporting and became known for her in-depth analyses and coverage of significant political events, which earned her recognition in the journalistic community.

Joan Hemels started her journalism career at De Telegraaf in 1985, where she honed her skills in news reporting and developed a keen interest in investigative journalism. Her early work at this major Dutch newspaper laid the foundation for her future success in the field.